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Heather's Dish

The Dish

The Big Fat First Trimester Post

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I’m going to be honest here:  I had planned out a bunch of posts to talk about my first trimester, chat about workouts and food, give you “remedies” for morning sickness (which, sadly, I found none) and talk about how my husband has been so incredibly supportive and loving this whole time we’ve been pregnant.  But every time I sat down to write though the words would just not come!  And so, in the interest of catching y’all fully up to where we are today, here are my (lengthy) bullet points on all subjects first trimester til now (19 weeks!):

First Trimester – Food

  • When we first saw the two little lines on the home pregnancy test I was a crazy mix of emotions.  Nate hugged me and smiled and said he was so happy.  I bawled like a baby with a mixture of excitement, fear, anxiety, and generally just freaking out.  Then we laid on the bed and held each other with a teddy bear that one of our friends got us after our miscarriage.  If I’m being honest I was scared for many reasons, but a couple of moments in there were because I was afraid of losing the memory of our first baby.  But I am always reminded, even when I just want to sit and wallow in sadness and fear, that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).  He has given me life that I don’t deserve, and with the first baby that we lost he gave me the ability to love in ways that I never knew before.  My fear is now replaced by love and the knowledge that I am free in Christ.
  • As with the first pregnancy I smugly reveled in the fact that at a mere 5 weeks pregnant I was not sick.  I ate salads, legumes, lean meats and tons of fruits and veggies.  Smoothies were a mainstay and I worked out for 90 minutes every day.  I was invincible…and then I got morning sickness.  Which leads me to the next point…
  • Morning sickness sucks.  I briefly hit on it earlier this week, but the only thing that slightly “helped” was the fact that I was force-feeding myself every 1-2 hours.  The only thing that sounded good were burritos or pizza, but not too spicy.  Gum became my worst enemy.  I’ve never really cared if there was ice in my water, but goshdarnit if my water wasn’t frigidly ice-cold at all times I would get sick to my stomach.  I had a metallic-sweet taste in my mouth whenever I wasn’t eating, which was awful.  The times I felt best were actually right after I got sick…then I could eat anything!  Around 13 weeks it started to wane and at 14 weeks I was eating foods that I hadn’t had in about 6 weeks and felt amazing.  Except for gum – it’s still just not doing it for me.
  • As for cooking?  I look back and I still don’t know how I kept blogging.  I made a lot of muffins (which were actually good and I love) and sweet baked things.  I just couldn’t stomach the smells of cooking for about 2 weeks, which meant we ate out almost every night.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to eat out, but after a while everything starts to taste the same.  Except burritos and pizza obviously.

First Trimester – Workouts & Life

  • When I first found out I was pregnant I was walking and/or trail running with our dogs for about an hour every morning and doing about 30 minutes of weight training and/or yoga at night.  I started sticking to walking only after finding out I was pregnant, mainly because I would not have considered running a workout that my body was “used to” doing beforehand (I had just started to pick up a running regimen again) and I didn’t feel comfortable continuing to do it.  Once the sickness hit, however, I was lucky to get a 20-minute walk in in the morning or at night and the rest of the time I was just trying to find the energy to stay awake and not throw up.
  • Now that I’ve started to feel better I’ve been walking for 45 minutes about 3-4 times a week but have yet to find time to get in a great strength-training and flexibility routine again.  That being said, I truly miss working out so my plan this weekend is to organize my life so that I build the time into my schedule to introduce strength and flexibility work back into my routine.  Nate got me a great prenatal workout DVD for my birthday that I still need to incorporate, but it makes me happy to have something that will take into account my “condition” as a way to re-introduce workouts to my life.
  • Did I mention I miss working out?
  • When we first found out we decided that we really didn’t want to share the information with anyone other than our parents/siblings and very few close friends.  We did tell our bosses because we knew they needed to be in on us missing work for doctors’ appointments.  The reason?  I just didn’t feel comfortable sharing just yet.  If we had miscarried we would have still told people and I would have announced it on here – I don’t think it’s a good thing to live in isolation.  But at the same time I just did not feel OK telling people yet.  I didn’t want a bunch of emails or texts asking how I was doing or how I was holding up or how I was dealing with being pregnant after miscarrying.  As soon as the 13-week appointment hit we had a little get-together to announce to friends that we were pregnant and started preparing our hearts to share with more people.  I wouldn’t change how we did it at all…a lot of times when you’re pregnant you hear people telling you to do/not do things if they do/don’t feel right, and I believe that was the best way for us to approach the announcement!
  • I was nervous to tell all of y’all 🙂
  • As for weight, I don’t care about the number of pounds on the scale that I weigh; in fact, I’ve told my doctor I don’t want to know the number.  I DO, however, care about not gaining too much weight since diabetes is something that Nate and I both have on both sides of our family.  Now I know that weight gain alone isn’t a determining factor in gestational diabetes, but I am taking precautions to not get to a point where that could be something that happens.  That means eating well (with the occasional ice cream & cake), being active/working towards being more active, and being sure to not gain more than my doctor has suggested (which is around 25 lbs or so).

First Trimester – Clothes

  • I’ve never claimed to be a clothes horse or that I have a highly developed sense of fashion, although I do believe that I know what looks good when I see it.  In fact most days you can find me in shorts or jeans and a T-shirt and probably with a hoody over it…it’s kind of my uniform.  In the days of morning/all day sickness I rocked this outfit like none other.
  • Now that I’m starting to get a little bigger I am starting to realize that my usual uniform is not that flattering for pregnant women.  Which means that I am actually going to have to start dressing like a grown-up.  This is big-time scary for me.
  • I have yet to go shopping for maternity jeans, but since I realized that my favorite pair of non-maternity pants (that still fit when they’re buttoned up) are, well, dead.
  • For my birthday my parents got me some adorable maternity tops, a couple of belly bands (BeBand) and a maternity tank that I have been wearing nonstop.  I may never go back to normal clothes again.
  • Other than that I’ve been shopping around, thinking about dresses and leggings and jeans and tops, and waiting to see how big I can get before actually having to spend money on stuff.  Turns out having a baby is slightly pricey, so I’m holding off on spending money til it’s completely necessary!

Weeks 14-19 – Second Trimester

  • I didn’t think it was possible but I’ve become more emotional as time has gone on, crying at the silliest things or even nothing at all.  I know you’re thinking it too:  poor Nate.
  • I’ve been singing “Amazing Grace” to our baby every day, even before it could hear.  Now that it’s developing its sense of hearing I’m hoping to continue this.  My mom used to sing it to me every night before going to sleep and I absolutely adore the words and meaning of the song.
  • I talk to the baby and feel kind of silly doing it.  I guess I just don’t know what to say?  So I’ll wax poetic about anything random that I’m thinking and just hope that it just likes to hear my voice 🙂
  • I don’t know if I can feel it moving or not and most of the time think it might just be gas, but I lay on the couch with my hands on my belly and just try to breathe quietly.  There have been some weird feelings that I know can’t be gas, but I’m hoping for some kicks soon.
  • Oops, there I go again – started crying because I started thinking about feeling the baby kick.  Told you – emotional!

Since I believe this post is long enough and covers quite a bit I’m going to stop there.  I can’t believe that we’re going to be halfway through this pregnancy next week!  Not only that, but we will hopefully know if we’re having a boy or girl next week too!  We’re starting to think about the actual act of having a child, I’m panicking about the pain and giving myself pep talks already.  If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask…I will always try to answer as best as I can!

Much love,

Heather

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Comments

  1. Heather says

    October 11, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Heather-Thank you for this post. I’m a little late in reading these, so I will also add- I hope you appointment today went well. I will probably be re-reading a couple of your posts over the next week, as at 11 weeks, I lost my baby today. Reading your thoughts is helping me to stay strong and hopeful for the future. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    October 9, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    I enjoyed every bit of this post. I’m so thrilled for you and your pregnancy journey. I feel privileged to be allowed to follow along and I look forward to reading more.
    I wish the very best for you and your family, Heather.

    Reply
  3. Kim in MD says

    October 8, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    Wow…what a beautiful, sweet post. I am so happy for you and Nate! Sing, laugh and enjoy this “quiet” time before your baby arrives! Your lives will change in the most amazing way, ever! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jen says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    Morning sickness sucks! Try taking your prenatal vitamin at night along with a high protein snack, like some nuts or something. I don’t remember the medical explanation anymore, but it really worked for me. I just wished I’d found it out on my first child and not my third! Hope it helps a litte… and try to keep your eye on the prize.

    Reply
  5. Marie-Sophie says

    October 8, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Thanks so much for sharing all this, Heather! I always think it’s very special when people share very personal things, emotions and experiences on a blog and I always feel very honoured to read that! I’ve been seeing babies everywhere (yes, I’ve caught the baby bug :-)) and thankfully my boyfriend is on the same side … but we’re not married yet AND I need to find a job that makes me happy first (and go through the first six months of employment probation which is normal here in Germany) so while having to wait myself, I am happy to be able to be part of your journey!!!
    chocolate hugs and thanks for letting me sort of being part of it!

    Reply
  6. Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:26 am

    Thanks for sharing, Heather! What an amazing experience despite the morning sickness. Glad you’re feeling better!
    Prayers for all of you!

    Reply
  7. stephanie says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    im so excited for your new family! i hope everything continues to go well! I’m praying for you. thanks for sharing all your special pregnancy details 🙂

    Reply
  8. Anna @ On Anna's Plate says

    October 7, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Girl, one suggestion: LEGGINGS. It’s all I’ve been living in lately– they’re so comfortable, and you can actually make them look really dressy and cute if you need to…or you can wear them with sweatshirts 🙂

    It’s so much fun to read about others’ pregnancies and compare notes. Sounds like you had a pretty rough first trimester– I’m glad that’s behind you!!

    Reply
  9. Urban Wife says

    October 7, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    So excited for you guys! Loved the bullet points. 😉

    Reply
  10. Shanna, Like Banana says

    October 7, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Awww congrats girl! This is such a magical time and I’m glad you are loving so much of it. I’m almost at 29 weeks and wow, what a journey. I’ve had a very easy pregnancy physically, but emotionally it’s been a wee bit tough. All of it is so worth it when I feel our little boy wiggle and kick and move. He started really going at it right about the half way point now that I’m in the third tri, he’s a jumping bean!

    I’m very happy for you and can’t wait to hear more!

    Reply

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Just a couple quick reminders: ⭐️ healthy doe Just a couple quick reminders:

⭐️ healthy doesn’t have to be hard
⭐️ you’re allowed to “mess up”
⭐️ you’re allowed to be multidimensional
⭐️ don’t overcomplicate it 
⭐️ YOU ARE CAPABLE 

I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head these days, and half the time I don’t know which way is up. But I do know this: focusing on simplicity is the name of the game this year for me. It starts with the things I can control: my food intake, moving my body, my thoughts, my actions. The rest will stem from there!

Does anyone even do a word of the year anymore after 2020? If you do I’d love to see you share it below!
“I’m angry with God.” With those 4 words my “I’m angry with God.”

With those 4 words my Daddy forever changed the way I saw God. A pillar of fire didn’t come from the sky, the ground didn’t open up and swallow him whole, we didn’t get in a car wreck on the way home from piano lessons. And my Daddy never turned his heart from God; a short 20 minutes later we sat down at the dinner table and he praised him through prayer before we ate dinner. 

He taught me that when we are sad or frustrated or anxious or angry or feel that surely the weight of life will kill us - God is big enough to handle those feelings. Not just handle them, but walk closer than our breath through them. He cares, he’s there, and he even wants us to tell him. The more I think about it the more I see that my dad sharing his anger with God was the most honest display of faith I had seen up to that point.

The other day I uttered those same words in front of my boys, “I’m angry with God.” Just like me, they looked around to see where my smiting would come from, likely shocked (as I was) when it didn’t come. And just like me, they will see their parent praise God even in the midst of a firestorm of emotion. 

Why? Because God is good no matter what. My life feels like it’s crumbling before my eyes and I have no way of stopping it...but He is still on his throne. I will praise him no matter the circumstances because he has been good to me. I will write his word on my windows as a constant reminder that this life of mine is dedicated to his glory.
For someone who loves words so much, I really don' For someone who loves words so much, I really don't have many of them right now. 
.
On December 26, 2020 - after over a decade of fighting Corticobasal Degeneration, a rare progressive neurological disorder - my incredible, near-perfect Daddy left this world and has made his home with Jesus. Ever since then I've been struggling to find the words to pay homage to the most amazing man in the world. How do you sum up the life of someone who has impacted so many for good? How do I ever share how the little day-to-day expressions, smiles, words, wit, strength, grit, grace, humility, hard work and love have been woven into my very being? One of the last things I told him before he left was that there truly are no words yet for the kind of love he shared with me, my sister, and our beautiful mother. He was truly one-of-a-kind in every way, and we are so blessed because of the way he poured himself out for us. 
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Daddy, I love you so much. The only thing that's softening the pain of your absence is knowing that those very last words I said to you - "I'll see you soon" - will come true because I know you'll be waiting for me in Heaven. My very own Daddy - you are always with me. I love you beyond words.
Just two gals who crushed a 50 minute run today! Just two gals who crushed a 50 minute run today! 

As we move into goal setting for the new year, may I suggest starting with your physical health? Not to fit the bikini body mold that society normalizes, but to actually BE as healthy as possible. When everything hit the fan for me this year I dug into two things that have been integral to creating positive growth and a healthier mindset: 

1️⃣ my relationship with God
2️⃣ my physical health

What that’s looked like for me on the health front: holding fast to my commitment to whole food nutrition, grace for the days when I choose otherwise, pushing myself to lift heavier in workouts, and taking up running again. 

What’s happened as a result? When I push myself physically, when I choose to practice discipline to do what I know is best for my body, it makes it infinitely easier to choose that same healthy discipline in every other area of life. You want to dominate your goals? Start with your health!
Remember when I blogged about food? 😂 Gosh the Remember when I blogged about  food? 😂 Gosh the past few months have been nuts. I’m still over here figuring out how to eat well without sacrificing my life in the kitchen, and this is a bowl I couldn’t NOT share with y’all. The best thing is that everything is almost always on hand in my fridge, it’s packed with nutrition, and tastes AMAZING!

In the bowl:
-rice mixed with Trader Joe’s Zhoug sauce
-broiled shredded Brussels sprouts
-chickpeas
-baby  arugula
-grilled chicken breast
-Romesco sauce (from Trader  Joe’s but I usually make my own)
-a little  tzaziki sauce

This meal has been on repeat all week, only changing the rice for riced cauliflower and omitting the chickpeas on low carb days. YUM! I find that if I have a variety of roasted veggies, grilled chicken, and a few different sauces on hand I can almost always come up with a great bowl for almost any meal!
It’s a beautiful day for Small Business Saturday It’s a beautiful day for Small Business Saturday y’all! Almost 4 years ago I took a leap of faith and said yes to this job in an effort to create another stream of revenue. I had NO CLUE that it would change my life for the better in almost every way, that it would reignite my passion for health and community, that it would provide in so many beautiful ways. But it has, and I am so thankful to all of you who have trusted me and supported me along the way. 

When you shop with a small business you are literally a hero in their eyes, validating and supporting and protecting them. You guys are my heroes, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ 

#smallbusinesssaturday #happydance
Affirmations for YOU today. Even when you don’t Affirmations for YOU today. Even when you don’t feel it, these are truths that I’m holding for you. ❤️
3 things you can do RIGHT NOW to improve your day: 3 things you can do RIGHT NOW to improve your day:

1️⃣ SMILE! Even if you don’t feel like it, smiling (even forcing it to the point of feeling weird) has actually been scientifically proven to improve mood, lower stress, and boost your immune system. I actually recommend doing it awkwardly around other people because it’ll make them smile too 😉

2️⃣ GRATITUDE! Right now, before you talk yourself out of it, say or write 3 things you’re thankful for. Big, small, or in between. In this moment I’m going to say sticky notes, my Le Creuset Dutch Oven, and the Hamilton soundtrack. BOOM!

3️⃣MOVE! Get up off your tush, right now, and move your body. Walk around your house, do some jumping jacks, lock yourself in the bathroom and do a little dance, whatever. This isn’t about looking cool, it’s about giving yourself a better day. 

Things are hard, ambiguity and uncertainty isn’t fun, but we can control ONE THING: ourselves. Praying that you choose to gift yourself a little bit of happiness today! 

Now, tell me below, what’s one thing you’re thankful for RIGHT NOW?
HASHTAG MOOD. Y’all, I’m so jealous of my dog HASHTAG MOOD. Y’all, I’m so jealous of my dog 😂 Who else feels me here? 🙋🏼‍♀️ #dogdays #2020mood
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